Mountain Vista lineman looking for academics

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Instead of pinning his hopes on the largest school he can attend, this senior has another factor that will affect where he goes.

"I love football but if came down to academics and football, I am obviously not good enough to make a living playing football, so I am looking more into academics," Otsuki said.

He named three potential destinations: "Just D-III schools right now," Otsuki said. "The main one right now is the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. It is the No. 1 school academically and for sports."

Added Otsuki, "I have talked to the coach at Wesleyan in Connecticut and Washington University in St. Louis."

Quick Hitters.

• Castle View lineman Nate Shepherd has played a huge role in his team being among the top-ranked squads in Class 4A. College coaches continue to take notice. "I just got back from (Colorado State's) game (last weekend) and I talked to them." Shepherd said. "Wyoming, New Mexico, and UNC are the other schools that want to see my film after the Brighton game."

• Grandview offensive lineman Robbie Painter and his teammates have had a complete turnaround since their Zero Week loss to Valor Christian. His improved play will only help him draw attention at the next level. "It has mostly been Harvard, Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota State, Cornell, and Yale," Painter said.

• With two teammates having received Division I attention, it is not easy for Silver Creek linebacker Nate Dunlavy to standout. That hasn't stopped this senior from drawing attention from college coaches at the Division II level. "I've been talking to Chadron State, Fort Lewis, Western, CSU-Pueblo, and a lot of the RMAC schools," Dunlavy said.

• Columbine forward Jon Snow followed up a big sophomore season on the basketball court with improved play during the all important AAU circuit. A trio of colleges have been keeping in contact with him. "I went up to Northern Colorado for an unofficial visit and saw their campus," he said. "I've been talking to Drake University and (the University of) Denver. That is who I've been in contact with the most."

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